Easy Homemade Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Craving something sweet, spicy, and satisfyingly crispy? This easy homemade hot honey chicken sandwich recipe brings the perfect balance of heat and sweetness in every bite.
With golden fried chicken, spicy hot honey drizzle, and a soft, toasted bun, it’s a flavor-packed sandwich that’s sure to impress. Whether I am cooking for myself or serving a crowd, this one is my hot choice. Let’s jump right in and make your new favorite go-to meal.
Ingredients for the Hot Honey Sandwich
I divided this hot honey chicken sandwich recipe into 3 parts. Sharing the list of ingredients for each of the parts separately.
Ingredients For the Chicken
For the golden fried chicken, the following ingredients will be needed.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Ingredients For the Hot Honey
The hot honey recipe is very simple. For this, we will need only 3 simple ingredients.
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Ingredients For the Sandwich
Now the sandwich buns part. You must choose high-quality buns for this hot honey chicken sandwich recipe. I prefer high-quality brioche. Here are the ingredients for the sandwich.
- 2 brioche or sandwich buns
- Pickles (optional, but highly recommended)
- Butter or mayo for toasting buns
Step-by-Step Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Recipe
If you gathered all the ingredients, let’s start making our hot honey chicken sandwich. For this, I follow 9 straightforward steps for the easiest delicious hot honey sandwich. Let’s walk through those 9 easy steps for the hot honey chicken sandwich recipe.
1. Prep the chicken
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and cut them in half if they’re large. Place in a bowl with buttermilk and hot sauce. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge.
2. Make the flour coating
In a shallow bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix them evenly for a few minutes.
3. Coat the chicken
Remove chicken from the buttermilk and shake off excess. Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well. Set aside on a plate.
4. Heat the oil
In a skillet or deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to submerge the chicken halfway.
5. Fry the chicken
Fry each piece for about 3–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. The time can vary depending your heat and chicken. So, fry each piece until golden brown. Place on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.
6. Make the hot honey
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce. Stir for 2–3 minutes until warm and slightly infused. Don’t boil. If you need complete assistance, you can check this hot honey recipe.
7. Toast the buns
Lightly butter or spread mayo on the buns and toast them in a skillet until golden. You can use either butter or mayo, based on your preference, as a spread.
8. Assemble the sandwich
Place the crispy chicken on the bottom bun. Drizzle generously with hot honey. Add pickles if using, then top with the other half of the bun.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!
This is just a bonus step to get the best out of our hot honey sandwich. Enjoy the sandwich immediately while the chicken is hot and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
This hot honey chicken sandwich is a meal in itself, but you can elevate your dining experience with a few sides. The following are the side dishes that I found pair well with hot honey chicken sandwich:
- French Fries: Classic and crispy, they pair perfectly with the sandwich.
- Coleslaw: The cool, tangy crunch complements the spicy, sweet chicken.
- Pickles: Add extra pickles on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for the Best Hot Honey Sandwich Recipe
Making the hot honey sandwich is easy, but converting it to perfection is not that easy. You must keep some constant things for the perfect homemade hot honey chicken sandwich every time.
Tip 1: Marinate for Longer
If you have the time, marinate the chicken overnight. The buttermilk tenderizes the meat, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful.
Tip 2: Double Dredge for Extra Crispiness
For an extra crispy chicken, dredge the chicken twice in the flour mixture. This double coating ensures a super crunchy exterior.
Tip 3: Customize the Heat Level
If you prefer a milder sandwich, reduce the amount of pepper flakes in the dredge mixture. For those who love extra heat, increase the hot sauce in the honey mixture or add more pepper flakes.
Healthier Alternatives to This Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich
If you’re looking to make a healthier version of this sandwich, consider these alternatives:
- Bake Instead of Fry: Instead of frying, bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through.
- Use Whole Wheat Buns: Swap out the brioche buns for whole wheat buns for added fiber.
- Air Fryer Option: Use an air fryer to cook the chicken for a healthier, yet still crispy, alternative.
FAQs
What kind of cheese goes with hot honey?
Cheeses with a creamy or salty flavor pair best with hot honey. Try goat cheese, brie, sharp cheddar, or even blue cheese for a bold contrast. These cheeses balance the sweet heat and add a rich, savory touch to your sandwich.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the hot honey sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat before using.
What other toppings can I add?
You can get creative with your toppings. Consider adding cheese, avocado, or coleslaw for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This easy hot honey chicken sandwich recipe is a perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and crispy. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to your taste. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry your chicken, the result is a delicious sandwich that will become a favorite in your household.
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